Podcast
Agenda - Manx Radio
Hosted by Manx Radio · EN
Phil Gawne offers a weekly insight into Manx politics, interviewing current and former politicians about issues in Tynwald and the House of Keys, while exploring the broader world of politics and government operations.
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Agenda 23.6.26 - assisted dying legislation moved a step closer in June Tynwald … probably?
2d ago00:26:51Tap to summarizeDespite neither Tynwald nor the public knowing why Royal Assent wasn’t granted amendments were moved which according to the Attorney General were all that’s needed to get the greenlight from the UK. We hear from mover of the Bill Alex Allinson and some of its critics on this week’s Agenda. There is little doubt that this legislation has been controversial and there remains some doubt about whether the safeguards in the Bill are strong enough, but two or three people have seen the Home Office advice on why royal assent hasn’t been granted and one of those, the attorney general, thinks the amendments will do the trick. Are you reassured?
Transcribe →Agenda 16.6.26 - a Rushen hustings meeting to find out what the people think.
1w ago00:26:51Tap to summarizeA Rushen hustings meeting will be held this Thursday evening to give people an opportunity to raise in a public forum the issues they think should be a priority for the next government. In what is a fairly novel approach this meeting is not called by candidates and doesn’t invite candidates to share their views with the public, but instead it invites the public to share their views on what really matters to them. This should be a refreshing change to the tried and tested formula of previous hustings, but will we learn anything new from the process. I certainly hope so!
Transcribe →Agenda 8.6.26 - renewable energy ay Andreas Airfield
2w ago00:26:51Tap to summarizeRenewable energy firm IPV Flexgen will be hosting a public consultation at Andreas Parish Hall on Wednesday between 10.00am and 7.00pm to share updated proposals for the redevelopment of Andreas Airfield. This farmer led project includes agricultural growing units, an Anaerobic Digestor plant, ground mounted solar PV and battery storage to provide the site with electricity and heat. Could this project develop into a sustainable energy scheme that most people can get behind? IPV Flexgen claims to be paving the way for a more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient future for farming. Let’s hope they’re right.
Transcribe →Agenda 1.6.26 - does criminalising drug use actually work?
3w ago00:26:51Tap to summarizeLast month the Positive Action Group held a meeting to discuss our failing policies on dealing with drugs. They invited speakers from the Transform Drug Policy Foundation and Anyone’s Child and I spoke to them for this evening’s Agenda. Our drugs enforcement regime has the same effect as pruning a bush according to our speakers, merely encouraging growth in other areas, so is it time for a radical rethink? Criminalising drug use appears to be doing little to discourage use of recreational drugs so should the Isle of Man consider a more radical approach which could save lives?
Transcribe →Agenda 18.5.26 - General Debate on the Mandate to Manx Care and Manx Care Operating Plan.
May 1700:26:51Tap to summarizeIn April’s Tynwald sitting the Health Minister moved a General Debate on the Mandate to Manx Care and Manx Care Operating Plan. With the recently anounced resignation of Manx Care’s Chief Executive Teresa Cope, I thought it was timely to listen to highlights from the debate. Other than the Minister and Chief Minister just two MHKs took part in the debate. We hear their contributions and a gentle spat between two MLCs who also spoke on this week’s Agenda. Is health spending really under control or is Tynwald just kicking that can of worms down the road?
Transcribe →Agenda 11.5.26 - does Tynwald need to get its Act together on support for the Manx language?
May 1100:26:51Tap to summarizeManx Gaelic and the state: opportunities and challenges was the title of a talk delivered last week by Dr Christopher Lewin, from the University of Edinburgh. As this is Blein ny Gaelgey - Year of the Manx Language it seems a timely opportunity to take stock of the Isle of Man’s achivements in reviving our native language over the past four decades. The talk considered what further steps could be taken to consolidate the position of Manx during the course of the next Tynwald. To find out more listen in to this week’s Agenda. Does Tynwald need to get its Act together on support for the Manx language?
Transcribe →Agenda 27.4.26 - last week Tynwald debated the idea of a tourism levy and agreed to sell the old Castletown Police Station.
Apr 2700:26:51Tap to summarizeTynwald debated a couple of items about tourism last week. The Enterprise Minister brought a report to Tynwald on the possibility of introducing a tourism after being asked to do so by Tynwald. The report was received though not without some criticism from Onchan MHK Rob Callister. There was then a motion from Manx National Heritage on the sale of the old Castletown police station with the cash strapped heritage organisation unable to find a sustainable long term use for the building. Hear the conflicting views on these items on this week's Agenda. MNH clearly needs the money but would a tourism levy work for Manx tourism?
Transcribe →Agenda 20.4.26 - Paul Craine is back to consider the policy implications of his second IoM population atlas.
Apr 2000:26:51Tap to summarizeAbout a month ago Paul Craine told Agenda about the quite stark findings of his second IoM population atlas. The statistics showing a significantly aging population were bad enough in Mr Craine’s first population atlas but the latest version tells an increasingly concerning tale. So what’s to be done? Find out on this week’s Agenda. Have we been too focussed on policies to keep growing the economy and the public services we need and enjoy? Should we instead be developing policy that leads to a happier, more contented society that’s not forever chasing its tail. Anyone out there bold enough to have a dream?!
Transcribe →Agenda 13.4.26 - the Public Accounts Committee asks Treasury about the sustainability of government finances, health spend and the National Insurance Fund.
Apr 1300:26:51Tap to summarizeThe Public Accounts Committee heard from the Treasury Minister and some of his officers last week. During a lengthy session topics included the structural deficit in the government’s budget, the sustainability of ever increasing health spending, government pay and the triple lock pension guarantee. Listen to some of the highlights of that session on this week’s Agenda. The Treasury Minister was talking a tough talk on getting public finances but will we see the talk turn into real action?
Transcribe →Agenda 30.3.26 - Kirstie Morphet talks about her first year as an MLC and the Justice and Home Affairs (Reform and Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill 2025
Mar 3000:26:51Tap to summarizeKirstie Morphet has certainly not allowed the grass to grow under her feet since being elected to the Legislative Council just over a year ago. She’s not shy of tackling issues like homelessness and social exclusion and is not afraid of rocking the political boat to get things done. In tomorrow’s LegCo sitting she’ll take the lengthy Justice and Home Affairs (Reform and Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill 2025 through its final stage which should result in much needed reform to our criminal justice system. Find out more about this new kid on the Tynwald block on this week’s Agenda. Has Tynwald found a new radical voice?
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